Indigo Blue Coffeehouse, 212 W. Barraque St., will host an art and poetry night event featuring former Pine Bluff resident Sabreen Jolley, a poet, artist and national speaker. The event will be held from 5-9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23. Also, the program includes an open mic session for poets. The event is free and open to the public, according to a news release. Jolley, a graduate of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, will be reading from her latest book of poems, “Choreopoem: Same Sky, Different Light.” Poets interested in the open mic part of the program and details about the time and format should contact Sabreen Jolley at Sabreenspeaks@gmail.com.

Delta Sigma Theta slates Distinguished Gentlemen Banquet

The Pine Bluff Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. will host its 32nd Annual Delta Distinguished Gentlemen Banquet at 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23, at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The sorority will present 29 outstanding young men at the event, according to a news release. The keynote speaker will be Kenneth Avery of Pine Bluff, the 2014 Mr. Distinguished Gentlemen. Tickets are $40 and can be purchased through Feb. 9.

Pilgrim church to give away food

Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church, 2507 Hill St., will open its Raven’s Nest Food Pantry Saturday, Feb. 23, from 8-9:30 a.m. or until all the food has been given away. Food will be given away on a first come, first-served basis. Participants must bring a picture identification, according to a news release.

Remnant Outreach offers free clothes

The Remnant Outreach Ministry will give away free clothes from 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23, at 807 W. Sixth Ave. Refreshments will be provided at this community outreach event, according to a spokesman.

Tickets available for SEARK March 2 gala

Southeast Arkansas College will host its 60th Anniversary Masquerade Gala at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 2, at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. Tickets for the formal affair are still available and can be purchased at the college, according to Barbara Dunn, director of development at SEARK. The gala will include a gourmet meal, open bar, music, dancing, silent auction and other festivities. All proceeds will benefit SEARK Foundation student programs and development initiatives. Tickets are $75 each. A table for eight people is $500. Tickets are available at SEARK. Details: Barbara Dunn, SEARK’s director of development, bdunn@seark.edu or 870-543-5957.

Monday, Feb. 25

Washington among mayor panelists at Clinton center

The Clinton Presidential Center will host “Making History: African-American Mayors in Arkansas,” a conversation with four African-American mayors in the state at noon Monday, Feb. 25. Moderated by former Little Rock Mayor Lottie Shackelford, the panel will feature Mayor George McGill of Fort Smith, Mayor Frank Scott, Jr. of Little Rock, Mayor Veronica Smith-Creer of El Dorado, and Mayor Shirley Washington of Pine Bluff. The program is free and open to the public, but reservations are required at clintonfoundation.org.

McGehee School Board to meet

McGehee School Board will meet at 5 p.m. Monday, Feb. 25, at the high school library. The agenda includes the recognition of Students of the Month, financial report, food service management company request for proposal and contract discussion, election resolution and review of legislative audit findings for 2017-2018.

Military and Veterans Museum Board to meet

The Pine Bluff Military and Veterans Museum Board will meet at 2 p.m. Monday, Feb. 25, at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center, 211 W. Third Ave. All board members, associate members and regular members are encouraged to attend, according to a news release. Anyone interested in donating or loaning items to the museum should contact Kar Lynn Roberts at 870-247-2836 or Patsy Milligan at 550-1626.

Retired federal employees set meeting

The National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE) Chapter 287 will meet at 11:30 a.m. Monday, Feb. 25, at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Building, 211 W. Third Ave. Lunch will be available. Dr. Allison C. Gill, Au.D, an audiologist at South Arkansas Hearing, will present the latest on hearing devices and testing, according to a news release.

The Pine Bluff Advertising and Promotion Finance Committee will meet at noon Monday, Feb. 25. The event will be held in the conference room on the second floor of the A&P offices at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Business Support Incubator, 615 S. Main St.

Dallas County Solid Waste Authority meets

The Dallas County Solid Waste Authority will meet at 5 p.m. Monday, Feb. 25, at the county courthouse at Fordyce. The date was changed because of President’s Day Feb. 18, according to a news release. Details: 870-352-3371.

Oscar Washington Scholarship available

Arkansas high school seniors can now apply for the Oscar Washington Jr., Educational Fund Scholarship, which will award a minimum of seven $1,000 scholarships to college-bound students, according to a news release. The submission deadline is Monday, Feb. 25. The scholarships are given in memory of Oscar Washington Jr., who at the time of his death in 2017, was vice president of customer service for Entergy Arkansas, where he worked 26 years. Scholarship recipients will be notified by March 22. Applications are available at owjscholarship.com. The scholarships will be awarded at a dinner April 6 at the Clinton Presidential Library at Little Rock. For dinner tickets, scholarship information or to make a donation, visit owjscholarship.com or call 501-779-1806.

Tuesday, Feb. 26

JRMC sets Cardiac Rehab Health Fair/Open House

In observance of National Heart Month. Jefferson Regional Medical Center will hold a free open house and health fair at the Cardiac Rehab.The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 26, in the Cardiac Rehab gym on the ground floor of the Jefferson Professional Center 1.Students from the JRMC School of Nursing will be conducting free health screenings including blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol.Dieticians from JRMC’s Nutritional Services department will conduct cooking demonstrations and hand out heart healthy recipes, and JRMC pharmacists will answer questions about medications.Refreshments will be served and there is no cost to attend.

United Way to release report on fall fundraiser

The United Way of Southeast Arkansas will hold a special meeting to give the public report on the Fall 2018 Campaign, according to a news release. The meeting will be held at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 26, in the board room of the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center, 211 W. Third Ave.

Dollarway area sets Neighborhood Watch meeting

The Dollarway/Citizens Police Academy (CPA) Neighborhood Watch Group will meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 26, at St. Luke Methodist Church, 32 School St. Details: 870-247-1796.

Downtown Rotary Club meets

The Downtown Pine Bluff Rotary Club meets at noon Tuesdays at the Pine Bluff Country Club.

Robert F. Morehead Middle School in the Dollarway School District will host two events Tuesday, Feb. 26. From 1:30-3 p.m, the school will present a Black History Program, “Honoring Our Living Legacy.” Graduates of Dollarway High School, Townsend Park High School and Altheimer High School will be honored. For questions or to submit a profile form, contact Vernice Meadows, vmeadows@dollarwayschools.org or 870-534-5243. From 5:30-7:30 p.m., Morehead school will host the EAST Night Out. “EAST Night Out is an opportunity for the public to experience students collaborating to make a difference in their communities through student-led, service-based, and technology driven projects,” according to a news release. Details: Coach James Jones, jjones@dollarwayschools.org or 870-534-5243.

Wednesday, Feb. 27

UAPB slates Spring career fair

The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff will host a Spring Career Day and Teacher Education Fair from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 27, in the arena of the Kenneth L. Johnson Sr. Health, Physical Education, and Recreation (HPER) Complex. The UAPB Office of Career Services will sponsor the event. The career fair is open to UAPB alumni and current students. Participants are asked to bring well-prepared resumes and dress professionally, according to a news release. Representatives from more than 90 agencies will attend. Details: Shirley Hampton, UAPB Office of Career Services, 870-575-8461.

Advertising and Promotion panel meets

The Pine Bluff Advertising and Promotion Commission will meet at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 27. The event will be held in the conference room on the second floor of the A&P offices at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Business Support Incubator, 615 S. Main St. Details: 870-534-2121.

Military officers association to meet

The Southeast Arkansas Chapter of Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) will meet Wednesday, Feb. 27, at Pine Bluff Country Club. Lunch begins at 11:30 a.m. and the meeting starts at noon. The speaker will be James “Jim” Bacon. He is a native of Arkansas, worked at the Pine Bluff Arsenal as an executive director for several years before accepting a position at Maryland, according to a news release. Visitors and new members are invited to attend. Reservations aren’t required. Details: 870-550-1626.

Church news is printed in The Commercial on Friday and the deadline to submit church announcements is noon Wednesday. Articles may be submitted by email to pbcnews@pbcommercial.com, faxed to 870-534-0113, mailed to P.O. Box 6469, Pine Bluff, AR, 71611, or hand delivered to 300 S. Beech St. Area pastors or associate pastors may also submit columns for the Devotional Page by emailing the article and a photo. Photos may also accompany church news by email.

Thursday, Feb. 28

PB fire station dedication to honor Davis

Pine Bluff Fire & Emergency Services Department invites the public to the dedication of Fire Station No.3., 601 W 32nd Ave., in honor of retired firefighter Tommie B. Davis Jr. The dedication will take place at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 28, at the station, according to a news release. Davis, 71, retired as an engineer on Jan. 5, 2005, with 30 years of service.

Social Security topic at Dollarway event

Dollarway High School will host “Everything You Need to Know About Social Security: SSI/SSDI & Work, etc.” from 5:30-7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 28, at the high school cafeteria. Arkansas Rehabilitation Services will make a presentation which will include details about Student Earned Income. The event is open to the public, according to a news release. RSVP to shelia.y.johnson@arkansas.gov. or 870-534-2404.

Crime Advisory Commission to meet

The Pine Bluff Crime Advisory Commission will meet at 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 28, in the city council conference room at city hall. Details: Jean Painton, chairwoman, 536-0733.

The AARP Driver Safety Class will be offered from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 28, at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center, 211 W. Third Ave. The multimedia course will be taught by Phil McBee, a certified instructor. The course is for people 50 and older, according to a news release. Each participant who finishes the course will receive a certificate enabling drivers 50 and older to receive a discount on their automobile insurance. The discount is valid for three years under Arkansas state law. The cost of the course is $15 for AARP members and $20 for non-AARP members. Checks should be payable to AARP. Participants should bring a valid driver’s license. AARP members should bring their AARP cards. To register, call 870-692-7926.

Registration ends for Blue & You Fitness Challenge

Registering for the 2019 Blue & You Fitness Challenge is underway. The challenge is held annually March 1 to May 31, according to a news release from Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield. Individuals may register until Thursday, Feb. 28. Groups or individuals are asked to log their exercise activity and to compete for points, according to the release. Details: blueandyoufitnesschallenge-ark.com.

Local Emergency Planning Committee to meet

The Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) will meet at 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 28, in the training room at the Jefferson County Office of Emergency Management at 101 E. Barraque St. “The role of LEPC is to form a partnership between local government and industry as a resource for enhancing hazardous materials preparedness,” according to a news release. Details: Karen Blevins, director of the Jefferson County Office of Emergency Management/MECA 911, 870-541-5470.

Friday, March 1

Vegetable production workshop set

A free vegetable production workshop will be held at 9 a.m. Friday, March 1, at the Jefferson County Cooperative Extension Service, 500 S. Idaho St. The workshop will end after lunch at 1 p.m., according to a news release. The workshop is being conducted through a partnership between the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Small Farm Program, the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency. The event will focus on insect, disease and weed management in vegetable production. To be included in the lunch count or if you have special needs, contact Dameion White, UAPB Extension associate and meeting coordinator, at 870-575-8955.

Beginning Friday, March 1

Arts center slates Crossrooad Festival, events

The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St., invites the community to its upcoming events, beginning with the 2019 Crossroad Festival March 1-3. The events are free and open to the public. The Crossroad Festival includes: Friday, March 1, 7-9 p.m. Tricksters, Tall Tales, and Blues Notes — This program incorporates African-American folktales and slave narratives into an interpretative performance. Jimmy Cunningham Jr., executive director of the Delta Rhythm & Blues Bayous Alliance, writes and directs a program featuring regional actors and musicians, according to the release. Saturday, March 2, Folktales & Foodways Family Fun — 10-11:30 a.m.: Heritage Studies and Living History Interpretation scholar Elista Istre will facilitate Folktales Family Fun — a family storytelling, hands-on program. 1-3 p.m.: Elista Istre and Food Studies and Material Culture scholar Kevin Kim will expand the festival theme of cultural diffusion and adaption by co-presenting Foodways & Tales. A food truck will be on site from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. so visitors can have lunch between the programs­. Sunday, March 3, 1-3 p.m. — “The Adventures of Brer Rabbit” Screening and Q&A with Director/Animator Byron Vaughns — ASC will close the festival with a screening of the 2006 animated Universal Pictures film “The Adventures of Brer Rabbit.” A question-and-answer session will follow with the film’s director, Emmy Award-winning Byron Vaughns, a Pine Bluff native and a graduate of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.

Saturday, March 2

SEARK presents 60th anniversary gala

Southeast Arkansas College will host its 60th Anniversary Masquerade Gala at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 2, at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The community is invited to be part of history as officials unveil the future of SEARK College, according to a newsletter. The gala will include a gourmet meal, open bar, music, dancing, silent auction and other festivities. All proceeds will benefit SEARK Foundation student programs and development initiatives, according to the newsletter. Tickets are $75 each. A table for eight people is $500 and includes two bottles of wine, personalized logo and table signage. Sponsorship opportunities are also available: Platinum, $6,000; Gold, $3,000; Silver, $1,000; or bronze, $500. Details: Barbara Dunn, SEARK’s director of development, bdunn@seark.edu or 870-543-5957.

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority to honor retired educators at banquet

The Epsilon Zeta Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. will honor 11 retired educators during their Finer Womanhood Observance Banquet. The event will be held at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 2, at the Pine Bluff Country Club, according to a news release. Honorees are Michael J. Bates, Beatrice Bell, Cathy Clark, Thomas Gathen, Leslie Glover, Connie “Doc” Hathorn, Mary Jones, Verma Kentle Jones, Rachel Shorter, Wanda Williams and Ruby Young. Banquet tickets may be purchased from members of the chapter or by calling Genevia Thomas at 870-489-1262.

Carnell Russ Branch NAACP plans awards banquet

The Carnell Russ Branch of the NAACP will host a recognition spotlight awards banquet at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, March 2, at the Star City Civic Center at Star City. The semi-formal affair will recognize community 2019 Branch Honorees, Ruth Johnson and Jearlene Williams, and the 2019 Community Achiever, former judge Charles Capps, according to a news release. The event will include dinner and entertainment for adults 18 and older, according to the release. Tickets are $20 per person or $150 for a table of eight people. Proceeds benefit Russ NAACP Community Programs. For tickets or details, call 501-541-3732 or 870-550-7555.

Beginning Saturday, March 2

UAPB plans principles of real estate class

The Division of Graduate Studies and Continuing Education at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff will offer a Principles of Real Estate course for those interested in becoming Realtors, according to a news release. The 60-hour course will be offered from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays beginning March 2 in the Walker Research Center, room 111. The session is in collaboration with Bessie Beavers School of Real Estate. The cost is $375 per person. Checks or money orders should be made payable to UAPB and mailed to: UAPB Continuing Education; 1200 N. University Drive, Mail Slot 4951; Pine Bluff, AR 71601. Payment may also be brought to class. Details: Continuing Education, 870-575-8315 or 870-575-8317.

IP/Evergreen retirees to meet

The International Paper/Evergreen Packaging Retirees will meet from 2-3 p.m. Tuesday, March 5, in the auditorium of the Arkansas River Education Service Cooperative, 912 W. Sixth Ave. All mill retirees are invited to attend. There will be a guest speaker. Details: 870-534-7094.

Beginning Wednesday, March 6

Spring Shepherd’s Center classes begin

Shepherd’s Center of Pine Bluff will begin its Spring 2019 Session Wednesday, March 6, at Lakeside United Methodist Church, 1500 S. Olive St. Shepherd’s Centers of America programs and services offer opportunities for older adults to take on new challenges, learn new skills, make new friends and serve others, according to https://www.shepherdcenters.org/. Programs will be held from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Wednesdays, March 6, to April 24, at Lakeside church. The one time registration fee is $10, according to a news release.

Thursday, March 7

Strong Company announces 60th anniversary

The Strong Company at Pine Bluff will celebrate its 60th anniversary with a reception Thursday, March 7. The event will be held from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Pine Bluff Country Club, according to the newsletter from the Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Sunday, March 10

A-1 Auto Transport offering scholarships

A-1 Auto Transport is offering $1,000, $500 and $250 scholarships to students who win an essay contest on an auto transport topic. The deadline to apply is Sunday, March 10. Students are invited to send in their applications with their full name, contact information, the school they attend and their 1,000-word original essay written on an auto transport topic such as: overseas shipping, enclosed vehicle shipping or door-to-door shipping. To apply, students must send applications to scholarships@a1autotransport.com. Details: https://www.a1autotransport.com/a-1-auto-transport-scholarship/

Thursday, March 14

Mayor Washington plans State of the City Address

Pine Bluff Mayor Shirley Washington will give the 2019 State of the City address at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 14, at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The community is invited to hear about Pine Bluff’s recent accomplishments and the mayor’s vision for the future, according to a news release.

AG mobile office staff to visit Pine Bluff

The mobile office of Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge will be available from 10-11:30 a.m. Thursday, March 14, at the Jefferson County Cooperative Extension Service, 500 Idaho St. The mobile offices assist residents with consumer-related issues in filing consumer complaints and providing information about scams, identity theft, fraud and other protections, according to a news release. The event will also include a Prescription Drug Take Back effort in cooperation with Jefferson County Sheriff Lafayette Woods Jr. Authorities will collect prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, pet medicines, medicated ointments and lotions, inhalers, liquid medicines in glass or leak-proof containers and medicine samples.

Through Friday, March 15

Deadline set for Whitfield Scholarship applications

The Pine Bluff Police Department and the Fraternal Order of Police are taking applications for the Chief Ivan Whitfield Scholarship Award. Applications can be picked up between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. at the police department, 200 E. Eighth Ave., according to a news release. The applicant must be a student at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff or Southeast Arkansas College, major in criminal justice, complete the application, submit a transcript and two sealed reference letters. The application must be turned in or postmarked by Friday, March 15. Details: Deputy Chief Shirley Warrior at 870-730-2073.

UAM Alumni Association seeks award nominations

The University of Arkansas at Monticello Alumni Association is seeking nominations for the 2019 UAM Distinguished Alumnus/Alumna Award. The nomination deadline is March 15. The recipient will be recognized Friday, May 10, at the spring commencement. The nomination must include the name of the nominee, with any other available details such as graduation year, or years attended UAM, hometown, employment, etc. Nominations should be emailed to alumni@uamont.edu or by postal mail to UAM Alumni Association, Attn: Lisa Jo Ross, P.O. Box 3520, Monticello, AR, 71656-3520. Details: Alumni Affairs, 870-460-1028.

Community Foundation sets deadline for scholarship applications

The Pine Bluff Community Foundation is offering scholarships for Pine Bluff and Jefferson County students. Applications will be accepted until Friday, March 15. Pine Bluff Area Scholarships are listed in the Southeast area at www.arcf.org/scholarships. Scholarships are managed by the Arkansas Community Foundation. The Pine Bluff Area Community Foundation awards approximately 15 scholarships in the area. The local scholarship committee will review applications in March. Details: www.arcf.org/scholarships.

First Electric accepting scholarship, Youth Tour applications

First Electric Cooperative is accepting applications for its scholarship program and the 2019 Electric Cooperative Youth Tour to Washington, D.C., according to a news release. High school seniors whose parents or guardians are First Electric members may apply for one of nine $2,000 scholarships awarded each year. To be eligible for the scholarships, which are funded through Operation Round-Up, applicants must have a minimum 3.0 grade-point average through their senior year of high school and upon graduation, attend an accredit­ed institute of higher learning in Arkansas on a full-time basis. Applications are due by March 15 for the Youth Tour and by May 1 for the scholarship program. Both applications are available under the “Community” tab at www.firstelectric.coop and at any First Electric office.

Student applications being accepted for AgDiscovery

Applications are now being accepted for AgDiscovery, a residential career and science exploration program for teens. Friday, March 15, is the application deadline, according to Willie Columbus, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (research assistant/educational outreach coordinator and AgDiscovery program coordinator. The U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and UAPB will host AgDiscovery June 8-21 at UAPB. Students participate in hands-on labs, workshops and field trips as well as team building activities and diversity workshops. Students pay only the cost of transportation to and from UAPB. Room, board and supplies are covered by APHIS. Students may apply online at www.aphis.usda.gov/agdiscovery or mail application packet by March 15 to USDA-APHIS AgDiscovery Program, ATTN: Tammy Lowry, 4700 River Road, Unit 92, Suite 6C-04, Riverdale, MD 20737-1234. Details: Willie Columbus, 870-575- 7145 or email columbusw@uapb.edu.

The first session of the New Farmers Academy is set for Tuesday, March 19, at the S.J. Parker Agricultural Research Center Conference Room at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB). The first session, which begins at 9 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m., will concentrate on farm business planning, record keeping, enterprise selection, cash flow projects and selecting suitable soil sites. For details, contact Stephan Walker at 870-575-7237. If interested in attending or for special needs, contact the Small Farm Program at 870-575-7226 or 7237.

Through Sunday, March 31

Registration opens for poultry feeding operations

The annual registration for Poultry Feeding Operations (PFOs) begins Jan. 1, 2019, in accordance with the Arkansas Poultry Feeding Operations Registration Act (Act 1060 of 2003). The Arkansas Natural Resources Commission (ANRC) and the Jefferson County Conservation District issued a reminder for all owners of PFOs. Registration dates will run through March 31 and affect any PFO with 2,500 or more confined fowl, according to a news release. Each poultry producer will register their operation through the Jefferson County Conservation District. There will be an annual $10 registration fee per operation payable to the district. Details: Miccah Bowen, Arkansas Natural Resources Commission in Little Rock, 501-682-3968; Kathryn Hathcoat, district secretary, Jefferson County Conservation District, U.S. Federal Building, 100 E. Eighth Ave., Room 2114, Pine Bluff, 870-727-6125; or a local conservation district.

Through Thursday, April 4

2019 Synergy Forum grant applications available

Synergy Forum Inc. is accepting applications for the 2019 Synergy Grants. Applications must be completed and received by Thursday, April 4, according to a news release. Registered non-profit organizations are eligible to apply for the grants that fund projects to benefit residents of Jefferson County. These include IRS 501(c)(3) public charities, public schools, government agencies, and the hospital in Jefferson County. For an application or for details, contact Ginger Casteel at synergyforumgrants@gmail.com.

Friday and Saturday, April 5-6

Sister Friend Empowerment set

REFORM (Resiliency. Empowerment. Faith. Overcomer) Inc. will present the second annual Sister Friend Empowerment Expo (SFEE) Friday and Saturday, April 5-6, at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The keynote speaker will be national gospel recording artist Jekalyn Carr with guest appearance by Instagram phenom Karlton “Not Karlton Banks” Humes. Melrita M. Johnson is founder of REFORM Inc., a 501c3 non-profit corporation, which works to empower young people. For registration prices and details, visit www.reformincarkansas.org or contact Johnson at 870-872-3676 or reformarkansas@yahoo.com.

Saturday, April 13

Area Agency sets 22nd bass tournament

Area Agency on Aging of Southeast Arkansas will host its 22nd Reelin’ for Meals Bass Tournament Saturday, April 13, at Regional Park at Pine Bluff. First place winners will receive $2,500, according to the newsletter from the Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce. Boats will launch at daybreak from Regional Park according to their paid registration numbers. The early entry fee is $110 per two-person team and includes two tickets to the King Kat Fish Fry that will immediately follow the weigh-in, according to the newsletter. Proceeds from this event will be used to fund Area Agency’s Meals on Wheels program. Details: sstichert@aaasea.org or 870-543-6300.

The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for Business Expo 2019 on Thursday, May 2, at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The event will begin with the Business Expo Breakfast from 7:30-9 a.m. at the convention center banquet hall. Breakfast tickets are $15 each or $200 for a table of eight. The Business Expo trade show opens from 9-10 a.m. for VIP (exhibitors and invited guests) and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for the general public. Admission is $5. Participants will meet people from local businesses, get advice and gain new contacts. The exhibitor booth rate is $250 for Chamber members and $360 for non-members. There are several sponsorship opportunities available. Details: Mandy Owens, event coordinator, mowens@pinebluffchamber.com or 870-535-0110.

Friday, May 3

Mission project seeks applicants for free minor home repairs

Ozark Mission Project of Arkansas is seeking applications from Pine Bluff residents who need minor home repairs. Services will be free and the deadline to apply is Friday, May 3, according to a news release. Youth plan to complete more than 60 service projects during their summer camp Sunday through Friday, June 23-28, at Pine Bluff, according to the release. Applications can be downloaded online under “Apply for a Project” at www.OzarkMissionProject.org. To submit a completed application, email omp@ozarkmissionproject.org, mail to P.O. Box 26525 Little Rock, AR. 72221, or fax to 501-771-1982 by May 3. Details: 501-291-2807.

SBA disaster loans available; deadline May 6

Small nonfarm businesses in 11 Arkansas counties are eligible to apply for low‑interest federal disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration, according to a Sept. 10 news release. The deadline to apply for economic injury is May 6, 2019. These loans offset economic losses because of reduced revenues caused by hail and high winds that occurred July 20-21, 2018, in these primary counties: Arkansas and Monroe; and neighboring counties: Desha, Jefferson, Lee, Lincoln, Lonoke, Phillips, Prairie, St. Francis and Woodruff. By law, SBA makes Economic Injury Disaster Loans available when the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture designates an agricultural disaster. The secretary declared this disaster on Sept. 5, 2018. Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

Saturday, May 18

Dollarway Class of 1969 sets reunion

Dollarway High School Class of 1969 is planning a 50-year class reunion on Saturday, May 18, at Harbor Oaks restaurant at Regional Park. “If you or someone you know was a member of this class, but have not been contacted, please contact Roberta (Reed) Wood at Robertawood.rw@gmail.com for more information,” according to a news release.

Friday, May 31

2019 Arkansas Century Farm Applications due

The Arkansas Agriculture Department (AAD) is accepting applications for the 2019 Arkansas Century Farm program that recognizes Arkansas families who have owned and farmed the same land for at least 100 years. Applications are available at www.aad.arkansas.gov/arkansas-century-farm-program. There is no cost to apply. The deadline is May 31.

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